2018 Kia Stinger: Luxury and Performance
Designed in Europe and developed in the famous Nurburgring circuit in Germany, the new Stinger is a five-door grand touring sedan that will seek to take on the Audi A5 Sportback and the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé. It made its Canadian debut at the Toronto Auto Show.
Those are solid and well-established rivals, but the Korean brand is convinced that the Stinger will shake things up in this market segment. Inspired by the GT concept car presented at the Frankfurt Auto Show back in 2011, the Stinger boasts muscular and dynamic styling. In addition, its long 2906-millimetre wheelbase provides it with a lot of interior room.
Two engines will be offered in the 2018 Kia Stinger. The automaker estimates the turbocharged, 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit at 255 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. As for the twin-turbo, 3.3-litre V6, it should produce 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet. Both engines will be matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission and the buyer’s choice of rear-wheel drive or AWD.
The Stinger’s fully independent suspension includes an electronically calibrated damping system. The car will also be equipped with 18-inch wheels with the 2.0-litre engine, and 19 inchers with the V6. Last but not least, a drive mode system will offer a choice of five settings, including Eco and Sport.
The 2018 Kia Stinger should be on sale this fall, at a base price we estimate at around $40,000.